Summary: The Bombers look good in the defensive stakes for depth, with three key defenders and Mitch Brown and Matt Dea able to play taller than they are, and Aaron Francis also able to slip into a third key defensive post. Their group of running half-backs are young, which bodes well.

Summary: As one of the highest scoring sides in the competition this year, Essendon has no problems in attack. Their three key forwards worked well together this year, and there's a bunch of smaller options as well.

CONCLUSIONEssendon's pressing need for midfielders was obvious against the Swans, and they should be on the lookout for adding some ready-to-go players during the trade and free agency period. If they keep their first draft pick (currently No.12), a midfielder like Charlie Constable or Andrew Brayshaw could fit the bill to build the engine room stocks.